Issue - meetings

The Committee received an application for full planning permission.

The application sought approval for the installation of 2 No. rapid electric vehicle charging stations within the car park of McDonalds and 2 No. existing parking spaces to become EV charging bays, along with associated equipment

Mr Keen (Applicant’s representative) addressed the Committee in support of the application.

Councillor H. Davies (Ward Councillor) addressed the Committee about the application through a written statement read by the Committee Manager:

      i.          “As Committee Members will see from the significant number of representations received from Abbey residents living near to McDonald's, there is real concern amongst residents that installing EVCs in the car park will lead to those car parking spaces being taken up by people charging vehicles (rather than by customers), increasing the parking and traffic pressure in an already very congested area. 

     ii.          Given that the Barnwell Road roundabout is the biggest traffic hotspot in Abbey, where traffic causes congestion, dangerous driving, and air pollution issues, residents are understandably concerned about the potential impact of these proposals.

   iii.          I'd request that Committee Members please pay particular attention to the concerns of residents as per the comments submitted, and that the impact on car parking spaces and any resulting effects on traffic be further scrutinised before making a determination on this application, to ensure there would be no negative impact on parking and traffic. It is noted that the Highways Authority has not commented (their input would be key here), and no studies have been carried out to test the assumption of whether the chargers would be used by customers. The Highway's Authority's view in particular is key to deciding this application.

   iv.          Noting the officer's recommendation, if the application is to be approved, could a time limit on charging be considered?"

The Committee:

Resolved (by 6 votes to 1) to grant the application for planning permission in accordance with the Officer recommendation, for the reasons set out in the Officer’s report, and subject to the conditions recommended by the Officer.